War in cinema makes for tumultuous action and pulse-pounding intensity. Realistic war films also reflect the heroism and bravery demonstrated by countless soldiers throughout history. These films can be tragic and poignant, but beautiful at the same time.
As expected, some of the most memorable war films depict the deadliest and most pivotal war in history, WWII. The following list offers films that portray several perspectives and were produced by foreign countries, making it very diverse in terms of both genre, cinematographic style, and the time period they were produced.
City Of Life And Death - 85
City of Life and Death is a Chinese drama that depicts the Battle of Nanjing (aka Nanking), which Western historians have described as the "forgotten holocaust of WWII." The Imperial Japanese Army invaded Nanjing, China, and brutally attacked and killed women and civilians.
Director Lu Chuan's recreation of the vile events that occurred in Nanjing is vivid and chilling. The film's black and white medium adds to the murkiness and terror in an elusive way that helps to draw awareness to one of the catalysts of WWII.
The Pianist - 85
Based on the autobiography, "The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man's Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945," this 2002 biographical drama raked in many awards.
Adrien Brody rightfully won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Wladyslaw Szpilman. The Pianist continues to be one of the most powerful portrayals of WWII and stands out amongst them all.
Das Boot - 86
This 1981 WWII film was made by what used to be considered West Germany and praised by critics internationally. The submarine survival drama takes place in the Atlantic Ocean and centers on the tedium and dwindling resources in the vessel that are emphasized through the film's near five-hour length.
The German film remains one of the best depictions of WWII and is definitely the most celebrated film made by Germany regarding The War Against Hitler.
The Great Escape - 86
The Great Escape was made in 1963 and is an epic war film starring Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough. Made with a budget of around $11 million, some modern audiences may begin to nod off during this picture's three-hour length. Nevertheless, if war film buffs are strong enough to persevere, MetaCritic seems to think it is well worth it.
One common criticism of The Great Escape is its overt propagandizing of war in the face of pressures from the U.S. government when it was made, during the Vietnam War. The Great Escape's portrayal of warfare is profoundly different from more modern depictions, such as Saving Private Ryan.
Level Five - 87
1997 French drama/psychological-horror, Level Five takes the most unique approach to WWII cinema out of every movie on this list. Audiences follow a video game developer who is creating a war game, and 'level five' in her game is the Battle of Okinawa, another event in WWII that scholars argue is underrecognized in the western world.
The film's 90s cyber aesthetic is methodically crafted and brought to its fullest by director Chris Marker. Nevertheless, it earned relatively abysmal box office numbers when it was released.
Overlord (1975) - 88
Not to be confused with Overlord, the 2018 popcorn, Nazi zombie survival film, this Stuart Cooper film is another black-and-white entry on the list. It takes an intimate look into the perspective of one young boy soldier who eventually crashes the beaches of Normandy.
The film also sheds life into the protagonist's personal life, which includes a love-interest he is forced to leave after being called upon for the D-Day Invasion. Cooper's film depiction of the most famous battle of WWII is admirable, especially considering the limited resources at his disposal back in the 70s.
Letters From Iwo Jima - 89
Another unique cinematic take on WWII, Letters from Iwo Jima is a Japanese-language American film directed by Clint Eastwood. The 2006 drama shows multiple perspectives of the Japanese as it reflects on the Battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and the Imperial Japanese army.
It is fairly interesting to see how an American director was able to create such a resonant portrait of the suffering and sacrifice of the opposite side. Letters From Iwo Jima is certainly a major cinematic feat, even for someone as distinguished and legendary as Eastwood.
Saving Private Ryan - 91
Famously, Steven Spielberg screened Saving Private Ryan for several WWII veterans, and they were so moved by the director's realism, both in terms of the film's visual effects and sound, that many of the men had to leave the theater, while some endured intense PTSD. Spielberg's portrayal of WWII also offers a rich story of sacrifice and perseverance that is incredibly touching.
Spielberg's masterpiece is one of the most effective and persuasive anti-war films ever made, not to mention, the cast is almost too good to be true.
Schindler's List - 94
Schindler's List is another black-and-white film that focuses on the atrocities carried out against the Jewish population in WWII. Spielberg takes an objective, uncensored look at the holocaust and the varying perspectives that endured during one of the darkest periods in human history.
The film is profoundly heart-wrenching and Spielberg created a film that will forever serve as a memory for the millions lost. Schindler's List won seven Academy Awards, including Best Film.
Dunkirk - 94
Perhaps surprisingly for some, Christopher Nolan's modern WWII picture finds itself at the top of the list. The film follows the naval forces of the allies as they are trapped on the coast of Dunkirk as a result of pressure put on by German forces. The 2017 action/drama is a thrilling watch and the modern CGI really brings the visuals of warfare into full effect.
The only reason why it's surprising to see Dunkirk ranked so high according to MetaCritic is the undeniable legacies of the other WWII movies mentioned here. Similar to Spielberg, Nolan transitioned into the war genre after finding tremendous success with sci-fi and action films, and in both instances, the resulting attempts at something new were brilliant.